THE NATIONAL RESERVE : THE HISTORY OF A SURREY UNIT.
[To THE EDITOR or THE "SPECTATOR."] Sxu,—I think a few observations from one who has organized a unit of the Surrey National Reserve may help to a better knowledge and understanding. Less than six months ago I was furnished with a list of some fourscore ex-Service men, resident in a group of some five neighbouring parishes, who had registered their names. At the same time I was given to understand they formed my Company, and that wo must shift for ourselves. The outlook was rather discon- certing. Ours was a rural district, without a Mayor or other influential personage who could convene a public meeting, and so enlist support, and the dwellers in one parish were prac- tically strangers to those living in any of the others. There was therefore no alternative but to issue a circular letter explaining who we were and the objects we bad in view, and asking for funds. Although this appeal was made to over 1,600 selected local residents the response, unfortunately, was most meagre, only some 2 per cent, of them replying to it. From inquiries I learned that there were two chief reasons why we were ignored, one being that people thought the Govern- ment should finance us entirely ; the other, that we ought to be discouraged rather than assisted because the movement only tended to postpone the introduction of compulsory service. But let these heresies pass. I then appealed to my friends in other parts, and from them I obtained sufficient additional help to enable me to start organizing. Tho work proved very arduous, and might aptly be compared to making for port against both wind and tido, but at length it has resulted in the following—the possession of a drill-shed, the formation of a Social Club affiliated to the Company, and the right to use a miniature rifle range one evening a week. These factors constitute the three primary essentials for a National Reserve unit if it is to be something more than a mere name. Further, we have appointed finance, club, and general purposes committees, each provided with comprehensive regulations for their guide mice; exhibited recruiting posters and order boards at con- venient places ; purchased ten converted Martini rifles for practice; adopted a company organization and a bandolier and waist-belt equipment, which are very popular with the men and add considerably to the smartness of their appearance when worn with a tweed cap ; and we are also making a free issue of ammunition every month to encourage regular attendance at the range. In spite of bad weather and long distances to be traversed, the attendance at the thirteen parades already held has been most encouraging. Some excellent shots have also been dis- covered, and in the recent rifle competition we had with two neighbouring companies we were the winners. Last but not least, we have the non-commissioned officers and men- 122 all told—and the satisfaction of knowing that each month shows a progressive increase in the number of new member& One of the most remarkable features about them is their ages. Ninety members average 37 years, twenty- five average 49, and the seven so-termed " honorary membeis " 69 years. The doyen of the latter class is Private John Durant, now in his hundred and third year, be having been born on Candlemas Day, 1810, midway between the battles of Trafalgar and Waterloo. In his early days he served in the Royal Navy, and for upwards of forty years afterwards was bargeman to the South Metropolitan Gas Company, from whom he receives a pension. This fine old man wears his badge with pride, and seems to have discovered somewhere or other the very elixir of life. As a social institu- tion the National Reserve movement, I submit, merits every encouragement. The reproach that the country too often forgets her old soldiers and sailors should henceforth be a thing of the past, for now no man who has been discharged from the Service with a good character, and enrols in the National Reserve, need ever fear he will pass to the back of beyond unhonoured and neglected. My Company can also make a brave display with its medals and bars, showing that in its ranks it has a stiffening of those who have figured on many a hard-fought field. In action these decorated men would afford immense moral support to their comrades, and in peace time their presence should do much to encourage others to take an active share in their country's defence. Un- fortunately, owing to the difficulty experienced in discovering men who are eligible tojoin the National Reserve—for the 80,000 already enrolled can only represent a fraction of these—I imagine the prejudice against employing ex-Service men in civil life still lingers, and forces them, in self-defence, to hide their light under a bushel. Although the Volunteer Force did something to arrest this, it may be that the National Reserve movement will be the means of giving it the coup de grace and removing once and for all an unmerited stigma from an honourable section of the community. If only those young men of to-day whose Alpha is bridge and whose Omega is golf would awaken to a proper sense of their responsibilities as citizens of the Empire their action would help materially to dispel this prejudice. It is to be hoped the London Division Parade will at least serve the purpose of opening their eyes and impel them to follow the fine example of patriotism and self- sacrifice the National Reserve is setting throughout the country.—I am, Sir, &c., CHARLES WALKER HOLMES,
Captain Surrey National Reserve, Commandant, Woy bridge Company,
"Arlington," Oatlancla Park, Weybridge.
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